An explosion triggered by a gas leak flattened a strip club in Springfield, Massachusetts, injuring at least 18 people.

The Scores Gentlemen's Club, exploded at about 5.25pm local time as a gas company was looking for a leak under the road, said Springfield Police Captain William Collins.

The blast blew out all windows in a three-block radius, leaving three more buildings damaged beyond repair and prompting emergency workers to evacuate an apartment building that buckled.

Nine firefighters were among the injured

Witnesses described to local media a massive explosion that shook the ground and sent up a huge cloud of smoke.

Police said it looked as though there was a missile strike where the explosion occurred.

Massachusetts Lt Gov Tim Murray said it was "a miracle" no one died.

Four buildings were damaged beyond repair

A representative of the Columbia Gas company said that four employees had been injured in the incident but were expected to survive. Nine firefighters and two police officers were also among those hurt.

The city established an emergency shelter to accommodate residents displaced by the blast.